Strangely Alright is more than all right - the band is awesome. Its music is fun, timeless and real. The band can laugh, cry and flip people off all in one album, backed up by talent and experience.

The band also makes cool music videos in antique stores - Rampart, to be exact - and invites the community to dress up and join in the fun. The result is totally classy and totally Tacoma.

"We came away with such a sense of family and community after the shoot," says Regan Lane, guitarist and vocalist for the band. "I hope people are able to feel that way when they watch it."

Push play below for five minutes of feel good. "If I Don't Laugh, I'm Only Going To Cry" is an easy classic, an instant like and you might even see faces you recognize. Enjoy!

If Strangely Alright hits the right chord with you and you want more of their Beatles/Bowie-esque sound, see the band live Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Franciscan Polar Plaza ice rink. You may watch the band for free, or pay $4-$8 and ice skate to its two-hour set beginning at 7 p.m.

"I love Christmas," says Lane with a laugh. "Yes, it's true. I'm just a big kid stuck in a man's body. Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" has always been one of my favorite holiday songs and I get to play it this year. Just doesn't get much better."

STRANGELY ALRIGHT, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, Franciscan polar Plaza, 17th and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, free admission, $4-$8 ice skate, polarplaza.com

See Also

Tacoma power pop band Strangely Alright nails its first release

Weekly Volcano readers are ahead of their time. In 2012, they voted the acoustic duo Science! - guitarists and singers Justin Stang and Jim Elenteny - as "Best New Band" in Thurston County. In 2013, they awarded Science! For "Best New Album" for their self-titled debut album.

Since winning their major awards, Science! has toured extensively, been endorsed by Ninkasi Brewery and Monday, Nov 11, made their Seattle television debut on King 5's New Day, where they performed the title track off their upcoming full-length album.

"It was an incredible experience to have the ability to share our music with such a broad and diverse audience in comparison to traditional club gigs," notes Stang. "We were thrilled to have such a terrific opportunity and excited to see all our hard work materialize in such a great way."

With a CD tucked under their belts, and a chocolate lab by their sides, Science! has plenty on the horizon. Next year will be a big - their new studio release will drop in March and they'll tour the West Coast then embark on a 30 U.S. city tour.

In the meantime, hear them on the The Marty Riemer Show at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov 22, then catch the two guitarists later that night live at a free show in the Pig Bar at live later that night at a free show in the Pig Bar.

SCIENCE!, 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22, Pig Bar, Southbay Dickerson's BBQ, 619 Legion Way, Olympia, no cover, 360.943.6900

If 103.7 FM The Mountain hadn't changed to the Top 40 crap, I'd totally send them a copy of Joe Rosati's new CD, The Candelabra Light, because it would fit in perfectly with Leonard Cohen, The Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen. Also because the recordings are perfectly raw and engineered to capture Rosati's true spirit and emotion.

The Tacoma native, who now resides in Park City, Utah, first picked up a guitar when he was 19. After hanging with The Fabulous Wailers, who used to tell him that "Tacoma is the Liverpool of the Northwest" because it's a blue-collar town on the water, he found his comfort in rhythm-style guitar.

"I loved 'Temptation' by New Order - when I could strum along with that song - that was a defining moment for me," Rosati said.

It wasn't long after, when he was sitting on his porch playing his guitar, that a soon-to-be band mate came up and started singing along. Together, they formed the band Isaac Purrs, (yes, it was named after a cat).

After a few years playing gigs, they were ready for the next step. But the day before they were scheduled to record, his band mate quit.

"I still went in and spoke the words," reminisced Rosati. "But after that, everything fell apart."

Since then, Rosati worked as a booker for Harmon, ran the Shoboat in Ruston and had a stint acting in college, where his original musical score for the movie A Perfect Life won a gold medal at the Park City Film Festival.

During those times, life was financially rough. Despite winning the award, his music wasn't quite where he wanted it to be.

That's when The Candelabra Light was born. With the support of friends and family (a few songs were recorded in his parent's living room, some in Urban Grace Church), his vision came to fruition.

The result is a beautifully mastered (by Ben Fuller of China Davis), raw, emotional collection of songs that are truly moving and inspiring. The stripped-down guitar and heartfelt lyrics are easy to listen to, the emotion in his voice as good as the gets.

"There's a reason it's acoustic," explained Rosati. "It's because its real and emotional - it's a pretty naked place to be - if the song structure and vocals don't cut it, you don't have a song - if it doesn't sound good on an acoustic guitar, it's not going to sound good at all."

Hear for yourself Wednesday at Jazzbones or at Rosati's CD release party Nov. 27 at The Spar.

JOE ROSATI, with China Davis, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20, Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, no cover, 253.396.9169

JOE ROSATI CD RELEASE PARTY, w/China Davis, 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 27, The Spar, 2121 N. 30th St., Tacoma, no cover, 253.627.8215

JOE ROSATI DOES SEATTLE, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, The High Dive, 513 N. 36^th, Seattle, no cover, 206.632.0212

SweetKiss Momma's rebel rock is something that resonates from the Deep South, through their home in Puyallup and beyond. When you listen to the grit of dirty guitar, down-home lyrics and whiskey-licks, it's irresistible.

Don't just take my word for it. SweetKiss Momma is now in The Final Four competition of the Seattle WAVE Radio Jammin' Challenge Battle of the Local Bands held Saturday, Nov. 16 at The Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle.

"We've been extremely busy as a band over the last year," explains SweetKiss Momma front man, pondering what edge the band might carry into the final competition. "Gearing up to do a proper release of the new album (A Reckoning Is Coming), playing more on the road than we ever have before, and getting involved in opportunities that have caused us to focus on nailing a specific performance. ... I realize that may not sound all that sexy, but at that moment when all the writing, rehearsing and preparing is done, and you have given all you have to the effort of creating, you have to believe that you are bringing your absolute best."

He pauses.

"And you have to trust that the other guys are feeling the exact same way. I feel like we are just hitting our stride. We are comfortable together and confident in what we do. If we have an edge, it's that we really are, as Adam McKinney put it, ‘comfortable in our own skin.'"

Another winning factor is that Eric Robert - keyboard player for Vicci Martinez, and current touring key player for Michael Franti & Spearhead - will sit in with the band for their set Saturday at the Hard Rock.

"He's played a couple of shows with us over the last few months, and we are looking forward to having him as our secret weapon," says Hamel.

SweetKiss Momma will be playing for more than $16,000 in prizes, including the opportunity to perform at Play It Forward 4 early next year. Last year's Play It Forward concert included members of Heart, Yes (official), John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band and Spike from Spike & The Impalers.

SWEETKISS MOMMA, 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, Hard Rock Cafe, 116 Pike St., Seattle, $7, hardrock.com/seattle

See Also

SweetKiss Momma named Best Band in 2013 Best of Tacoma issue

Shook Twins' grainy video footage shows blonde identical twin girls, Laurie and Katelyn Shook, at the age of maybe 8 or 9, dancing and singing in the backyard. Then they focus on the camera, their voices in control as they sing "Nothing Compares to You." Most kids at that age butcher songs. These girls owned it.

This is the catching clip in a Kickstarter Campaign that netted the girls more than $26,000 to record their next album at Bear Creak Studios with Ryan Hadlock (Lumineers, Milo Greene).

"It was so helpful and inspiring to get that Kickstarter love as soon a we went into the studio," said Katelyn. "It was a tangible representation of the support that we have out there."

The Portland-based, Idaho-born lovelies are fresh off their Midwest tour and are bringing their music to the Olympia Ballroom for a night of bluegrass/rock/funk you won't forget.

"This duet is well suited to meet the demand for quirky new music," reads a review from SSGmusic.com. "The music is genuinely good, and isn't a gimmick. These girls and their band have a wonderful sound and are talented musicians worth seeing."

While talent is no question, their niche seems to be their creative use of instrumentation, which includes banjo, guitar, electric and upright bass, mandolin, electric guitar, electronic drums, beat box, glockenspiel, ukulele, banjo drumming and their signature golden egg.

Another signature item: the girls' old-fashioned telephone mic.

The use of unique instruments is a mirror to the nature of the twins, who readily crack jokes, goof off and have fun.

"Our playful side of the music keeps a balance of lights and darks, ebbs and flows. We live very wonderful fortunate lives, so we write mostly about that. We happen to love our jobs, and that comes through," said Katelyn.

Shook Twins performance will be a perfect accompaniment to Olympia lady Kendl Winter, known for her solo gems of loop pedal, guitar and banjo.

"We are thrilled to get to play the Olympia Ballroom and with Kendl Winter to boot. She is a homie," said Katelyn, "We've heard such grand things about your town and we are honored to share our music."

SHOOK TWINS, w/Kendle Winter, 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8, Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way, Olympia, $10, $8 student at brownpapertickets

Each year, the Get Involved Gala - better known as GIG - kicks up its heels and puts on one of T-town's finest parties. Dress to the nines and help raise funds for United Way of Pierce County. Do you think you could do better for a night out? Yeah, I didn't think so.

This year's theme is 253Love, which means all things local and awesome. There will even be a few local celebrities, including Rhubarb and the Sonics Guy.

"The GIG is a fun night out. It's a great opportunity to come out with your friends, mingle and meet new people," says GIG co-chair Brittany Ellsworth. "The majority of the attendees are young professionals in the area, so it's a very dynamic mix of people."

While you mingle to the max, enjoy Top 40, '80s and '90s music spun by a DJ. Bar services by The Mix and Cork Wine Bar ensure libations for all, and Neighborhood Bistro will provide delicious local food. Dress is cocktail attire, which means button-up shirts and ties for men and dresses for women, but the event loves to encourage people to go full-on fancy and formal.

Read more...

Cindy McCoy has battled and survived breast cancer twice before. She lost her son tragically in 2005, and now she is in the midst of another hardship: she has been diagnosed with terminal stage IV spindle cell sarcoma.

Despite her struggles, the aunt, mother, grandmother and nanny maintains a positive attitude and unwavering faith.

McCoy's spirit has reached far and wide, and Sunday, Oct. 27, a benefit will be held in her honor. Live music by local acts, including The Voice's Vicci Martinez, will be part of the celebration. A silent auction will take place as well, with donated items including a weekend cabin getaway; a custom-made gun safe; a $1,000 Home Depot gift card with three days labor; artwork; window tinting; and a private performance by Martinez.

"It's Cindy's infectious personality and her smile," said Stacia Dorman, event organizer, on why she believes the community is showing such tremendous support. "Plus, cancer sucks. It's the only way to put it. So many people are affected by it. I know Vicci in particular has lost her dad to cancer, so I know it's a very personal issue. Seems everyone by now has someone close to them that has been affected, so they like to help anyway they can."

At this point, McCoy has been denied medical assistance, and she is unable to work. All proceeds from the event go directly to help offset medical costs.

"We hope it's a nice event for her," Dorman said. "She's an incredible woman. She was our nanny for years; she resided in our home for 10 years. She had various jobs, but found her calling with children. She's just an incredible woman."

Here's Sunday's the musical line up:

5 p.m.: Mooseunit AKA Liquid Courage

6 p.m.: Doug McCoy

7 p.m.: Vicci Martinez

8 p.m.: Zero Love

Credit cards will be accepted for auction items. Cash donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank into the donation account "Cindy McCoy benefit."

Tickets are $25 for ages 13 and older; 12 and younger free. The show is all-ages until 8 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.cindymccoybenefit.com/ .

CINDY MCCOY BENEFIT FEATURING VICCI MARTINEZ, 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27, The Swiss, 1904 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, $25, 253.572.2821

The north end of Pacific Avenue has become a hub of food, drink and play with the likes of the Matador, Tacoma Cabana, Meconi's, The Office and Dorky's all within a traffic cone's throw. When Paddy Coyne's Irish Pub, a neighbor to the aforementioned joints, closed its doors earlier this year, questions began to arise. What will take its place? What will happen to the magnificent wooded back bar?

I have one of those answers. I stumbled upon the space's new owner, Tim Mellema, as he was exiting the building Sunday. Yes, the very same Mellema who currently operates the Forum in Puyallup with business partner Geoff Kaylor, an operation that opened its doors over the summer.

Mellema tells me he received the keys Friday and has begun renovations inside. He's projecting to have to doors open in 60 days or so, hopefully.

Interestingly enough, the original Forum was intended to have an Irish pub theme, but veered. Instead they serve up a hearty menu primarily comprised of sandwiches and appetizers with a bar full of spirits and a decent tap list that includes local finds.

I, for one, am excited to see the Forum breathe new life into the void on Pacific Avenue.

Sixth Avenue in Tacoma has established itself as a dining destination, lined with nationally recognized restaurants and award-winning bars. As the notable restaurants and bars on the street continue to excel, others must rise to the occasion ... and that's exactly what North China Garden intents to do.

North China Garden manager BriAnn Hein tells me of changes the establishment will be undertaking in the following months, including menu updates as well as an interior overhaul.

"We are delighted to introduce an MSG free menu that you can choose between five MSG free entrees served from 4 to 9 p.m. including a combo meal that we are really excited about. All appetizers and soup will be MSG free. And we now serve brown rice as a substitute for steamed rice."

Other menu updates will include a selection of desserts featuring compelling flavors thanks to their friendly neighbor Dirty Oscar's and some changes in the price structure.

The interior updates include a wine bar and local art. Hein also tells me the new decor will "... have an East meets West feel. Bringing the garden in our name to life in the restaurant. Dark chocolate chairs and booths paired with vibrant red table clothes will be added soon. ... "We're also enclosing in the dining room to give it more appeal as some people have felt they are sitting in a cafeteria."

Renovations are expected to be complete by mid-December.

Fun fact: North China Garden is one of the sole Chinese fare establishments that offers delivery within a 3-5 mile radius with a minimum $20-$30 order.

NORTH CHINA GARDEN, 11:309 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 4-9 p.m. Sunday, 2303 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.5106

Puget Sound soccer fans - rejoice! The Tacoma Soccer Center has a historic treat for soccer fans of all ages.

Friday, Oct. 25 the Center will host the second annual Northwest Soccer Legends Night. Two teams of past professionals will compete in a grand indoor night match including local and international legends Alan Hinton and Jimmy Gabriel serve as captains and coaches of the match.

Here's why this match is awesome. Gabriel and Hinton are the real deal. Nearly 40 years of professional playing experience in Europe and the United States is nothing to scoff at. Add in more than a 1,000 first team appearances, the duo knows soccer and knows how to develop players. Both men have Pacific Northwest roots as Sounders coaches as well as coaching other teams in the region.

Of course, there will be great past players to watch, too. Stick around after the match; grab some autographs and share memories with the players. As a bonus, catch an exhibition game with the South Sound Shock. One admission fee gets you the full meal deal for the evening.

The $10 tickets will be available at the door, as well as on the Seattle Sounders FC website. Food and beverages are for sale inside the facility, including the Far Post Sports Bar, overlooking the field. Parking is limited, so phone the neighbors to carpool/tailgate.

For more information, check out the Tacoma Soccer Center website or call 206.445.2097.

NORTHWEST SOCCER LEGENDS NIGHT, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, Tacoma Soccer Center, 2610 E. Bay St., Tacoma, $10, soundersU23.com